• Urges Aiyedatiwa to shelve ambition
• PDP vows to return to power

A governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming April 20 primaries in Ondo State, Jimi Odimayo, has urged the party to avoid fielding a candidate who cannot serve more than a term.

Odimayo, who said that such a move might jeopardise the chances of the APC during the election, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to rethink his ambition for the sake of the southern senatorial district and the ruling party.

According to the governorship aspirant, while declaring his intention to contest for the ticket of the party in Akure, the law does not permit Aiyedatiwa to be sworn in as governor three times.

The lawmaker urged the governor to reconsider his ambition, stressing that opposition parties, particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), were waiting to capitalise on the situation.

He said: “If you attempt to bring anybody that is short of two terms of eight years, we would struggle in the next election. If you flag off anybody who is not up to the task, especially someone who would not do eight years, people would not support you. Our leaders should not be sentimental because people are watching.

“We, the southerners, will ensure that APC doesn’t produce anybody that would be questionable or challenged by the opposition party. We are going to address our challenges as a party. We are not going to make a mistake. APC is the predominant party in Ondo State.

“Basically, it is the turn of the South, and the party would not play with it. We want the party to utilise this opportunity. We will not tolerate anything less than eight years for the South. So, we should be very careful not to go into the trap with our enemies.”

Odimayo, who spoke on his vision for the state, stressed that his ambition was fuelled by a passion for service.

He added: “Ondo State is endowed with immense potential, from its rich cultural heritage to its natural resources. However, we cannot ignore the challenges that have hindered our progress and prosperity.

“Issues, such as inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, healthcare disparities, and educational gaps, require urgent attention and innovative solutions. As a son of Ondo State, I am acutely aware of these challenges, and I am prepared to tackle them head-on with your support.

“My aspiration is not just about winning an election; it is about ushering in a new era of progress and development for Ondo State.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Tola Alabere, has said that the party is committed to rescuing the state from its current challenges if it emerges victorious at the poll.
Alabere, who gave the assurance during a one-day seminar organised for media aides of the party’s governorship aspirants in the state, urged party members to be united to present a formidable front against the ruling APC in the buildup to the poll.

According to the chairman, unity within the party is paramount to achieving success at the polls.